Biophilia: Enhancing Your Indoor Environment through the Best of the Outdoor Environment
Love of life and the living world. This statement describes the concept of biophilia.
Decades in the making, the hypothesis was originally introduced in 1964 by German social psychologist Erich Fromm. In his 1984 publication titled Biophilia, American biologist and Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson extended this definition to describe what he saw as humanity's "innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes," and to be drawn toward nature, to feel an affinity for it, a love, a craving.
But what does all of this really mean?
“Biophilia implies that humans hold a biological need for connecting with nature on physical, mental, and social levels, and that this connection affects our personal well-being, productivity and societal relationships,” stated the authors of a recent Green Plants for Green Buildings publication titled, The Economics of Biophilic Design.
The publication provides research result information from workplaces, health care facilities, schools and communities supporting the finding that access to nature decreases stress and irritability and increases concentration. Plus, incorporating biophilic design can improve profits.
While the concept of biophilia has been in existence for about 50 years, the nature, human connection is centuries old and is recognized in the Japanese culture as shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Forest plants and trees emit a substance or compound called phytoncide that is believed to stabilize human hormonal secretions and autonomic nervous functions.
The publication cites research performed over the course of six years that tested shinrin-yoku’s ability to effectively decrease blood glucose levels in patients who walked 3-6 kilometers in forested areas. Below are some findings:
· Compared with other forms of exercise, which effectively reduced blood glucose levels by 21.2%, forest bathing decreased blood glucose by an impressive 39.7%.
· New shinrin‐yoku studies show that inhaling these pungent compounds has tremendous health benefits that are difficult to reap in the urban and built environments.
· Such benefits include increased Natural Killer (NK) cell activity (vital for deterring cancer) for up to 30 days after the forest walk.
What other some of the other health benefits of nature and how can they become part of your everyday indoor environment? And how can biophilic design improve profits? Look for the next Plant Peddler article on biophila to find out the answers to these questions!
In the meantime, have a look at our website at http://theplantpeddler.com/ to discover all that nature has to offer for an indoor setting. And let us provide you with a free quote by calling (770) 432-2649 or emailing us at mail@theplantpeddler.com.
Banish those Boring Walls with BioMontage LIVE! Wall Planters
Good news. Green walls aren’t just for deep pockets anymore. Now, even a modest interior plant budget can allow for live wall art. And you don’t have to dedicate a huge space to grow some greenery.
Frame sizes range from 4 feet wide to 2 feet wide and are available in several colors including white, black and dark gray.
Our design and installation team will create a customized look for your wall planter with live foliage well-suited to the light level in your office.
Sure to garner smiles and approving nods from clients and employees alike, the surprisingly affordable price tag will likely bring a smile to your face, too.
Contact the Plant Peddler today to learn more about BioMontage LIVE! wall planters and to receive your free quote. Give us a call at (770) 432-2649 or email us at mail@theplantpeddler.com.
